PhD Student (f/m/x) in experimental oncology

We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible:

PhD Student (f/m/x) in experimental oncology

Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology / Department of Translational Genomics

TV-L: 25 h/week (64.94%), limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Third-party funded project). Your salary will be based on TV-L.

Your tasks

• Conduct animal experiments to analyze the significance of telomere maintenance mechanisms in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), including cell biological and bioinformatic characterization (RNA-Seq, single cell RNA-Seq).
• Development and generation of new mouse lines and investigation of tumor development.
• Collaborate closely within an international team under supervision of the group leader.
• Analyze collected data, including storage and statistical evaluation.
• Publish the results.
• Participate in scientific conferences and present original data (poster/oral presentations).

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Biology, Cell Biology, or Biochemistry with very good to excellent grades.
• Experience with techniques such as rodent models, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and image analysis.
• Strong motivation to advance research in translational oncology.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organizational skills, proactive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Our offer

• Everything but ordinary: Secure employment in a challenging, innovative environment, including pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Work-life balance: Flexible options for full-time or part-time work, with or without children, supported by numerous programs.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: Welcome to an interdisciplinary team valuing mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: Extensive training opportunities for continuous growth and new goals.

Your future with us

As one of Germany’s leading university hospitals, we network research, teaching, and healthcare at the highest level, offering exciting development opportunities and a diverse, international workforce. We are committed to supporting all employees in balancing their job and personal goals.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

Led by Prof. Matthias Fischer, our research focuses on genetic changes in pediatric and adult cancers, including SCLC, aiming to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Our projects are multidisciplinary, involving national and international collaborations. More about the CRC:

You will join a newly established junior research group studying cell death mechanisms involved in spontaneous tumor regression. Activation of telomere maintenance, mainly via telomerase encoded by TERT , is a key event in malignant transformation. Our previous studies showed spontaneous regression and maturation in Tert -deficient tumors, with mechanisms still under investigation. We will explore these processes using genetically engineered mouse models and comparative analyses of murine and human tumors.

Applications from female candidates are especially encouraged and will be prioritized if equally qualified. People with disabilities are welcome and will be given preference under equal qualifications.

Contact

Dr. Lisa Werr
Tel: +49 221 478-87484
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Application deadline: 08.06.2025

Job-ID: 4o6n3le7

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!

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